Besiktas Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Besiktas aim to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with pace on the break using a 5-2-3. This formation is built to play a direct style of football that relies on rapid transitions and wide areas. The lineup focuses on staying compact when defending and using the wings to stretch the opposition once possession is regained.

Nübıl stays between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit operates with a back five consisting of Salih, Jalo, and Agbadu in the central positions. Salih acts as the central anchor to clear the lines and win the header. Jalo and Agbadu operate as wide centre-backs to cover the spaces behind the wing backs. Kassum Vattara and Murilyo act as attacking wing backs who push high up the pitch to provide width. This setup allows the team to drop into a low block when needed or push up to squeeze the space.

The midfield uses a double pivot of Orkun and Olaytan to control the center of the pitch. Orkun works to press aggressively to win the ball high, while Olaytan focuses on his ability to carry the ball forward and link the defense to the attack. These two must work to cover the gaps left by the advancing wing backs and ensure they do not get bypassed in transition. They act as the engine room, recycling possession and looking to play through the lines to reach the forwards.

In the final third, Besiktas employ three attackers to pin the last defender. OHanyu acts as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line and hold up the ball for others. Çerni and Turosard operate as wide wingers who hug the touchline to create width. Turosard looks to cut inside to create chances, while Çerni stays wide to deliver crosses. The movement of the front three is designed to create runs in behind and allow the wing backs to overlap the winger.

This formation offers Besiktas several tactical advantages, particularly the ability to create wide overloads from the overlapping Murilyo and Kassum Vattara. The presence of three attackers ensures they can maintain pressure on the opposition defense. Additionally, the five defenders provide great compactness when defending deep, making it difficult for opponents to find space between the lines.

The 5-2-3 formation is built for a side that wants to defend in numbers and hit opponents on the break. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their full backs.